Page 41 of Baby For My Ex's Brother

"Let's get this done," I tell the movers, my voice steady despite the stormy goodbye that looms behind me.

The door remains ajar, a line of demarcation between Chris's world and mine.

I step over the threshold without looking back, closing the chapter on what was and stepping forward into what will be.

Chapter seventeen

Liam

I lean against thedoorframe of my office, coffee in hand, watching Shiloh flit from the copier to her desk with a bounce in her step that wasn't there before. The way her smile lights up the whole damn floor has got something to do with me, and I can't help the satisfaction that curls in my chest like smoke.

"Morning, Liam," Jackie calls out from reception, but I barely grunt in response, eyes still fixed on Shiloh.

She’s humming under her breath, a tune I don't recognize, but it's more than just a melody—it's the sound of her spirits lifted, of burdens eased.

And yeah, I did that.

I did something that makes her happy.

Pushing off the frame, I stride over to her desk. It's almost time for lunch, but I'm not hungry… not for food anyway. She doesn't see me coming, too caught up in sorting through a pile of documents with that damned infectious energy.

"Shiloh," I say, and she jumps, papers fluttering to the floor like startled birds.

"Mr. Nolan!" Her voice is a mix of surprise and something else—something that makes my name sound like it's worth saying.

She bends down to gather the scattered sheets, and I bend to help her. Our hands brush, and she pulls back as if I've scorched her.

When she straightens up, her cheeks are on fire, and I'm not sure if it's from the bending or me… but I like it. I like the red flush that spreads across her skin, the way her lips part slightly, turning a shade darker, fuller. And yeah, I notice the way her body reacts, the telltale signs that she's not immune to me, her nipples pebbling under her silky blouse.

"Got a lot of work today?" I ask casually, like my pulse isn’t racing at the sight of her.

"Uh, yeah," she stammers, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She’s got her blonde hair in a pretty topknot, pinned in place…and I want nothing more than to pull the pin out, to feel those silken waves tumbling over my fingers like they did in that motel in Maine. “Just trying to stay on top of things."

"Good," I reply, keeping my voice even, though it feels like gravel. "Keep it up."

I turn to leave, feeling her eyes on my back. Her gaze is like a damn touch, and I hate that it does things to me—things I shouldn't feel, not here, not for her. But as I walk away, I can't shake the image of her blush or the way her body speaks a language all its own.

Fuck, I haven’t gotten her out of my system.

Not even close.

It feels like no time has passed at all when I’m back at her desk on my way to lunch, briefcase in hand. I pause when she catches sight of me, our eyes locking. It's impulsive, stopping by her desk on my way to the elevator, but damn if I don't want that hit of satisfaction again, knowing I've marked her world in some small way.

She looks up, startled for a moment, before her features soften into that smile that could knock me sideways if I'm not careful.

"How's the new place?" I ask, leaning against the corner of her desk with feigned nonchalance. I feel like a damn high school kid, horny and begging for her affection. "Settling in okay?"

Her eyes light up, and it's like the sun decided to shine right here in this sterile office.

"It’s beautiful," she says, and that huge smile of hers is all genuine joy. "I can’t believe how amazing it is. Thank you... really."

The words hang there between us, and I'm struck by something warm unfurling in my chest. Yeah, Liam Nolan doesn't do warm and fuzzy, but hell if her happiness doesn't punch right through my usual armor.

"Good," I manage, the word rougher than I intend. "You deserve it."

Pleased with myself—and not just because of the deal I closed this morning—I straighten up and head toward the elevators. I can feel the weight of her gaze on me again, and something about that feels right.

Powerful.

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